White Salt Mountain, Sweet Sugar Factory, and the Slight Aroma of Wine: A Family Day Trip to Tainan

#Tainan #Qigu Salt Field #Shanhua Brewery #Shanhua Sugar Factory ⸻ For this family-friendly day trip to Tainan, we chose three iconic attractions: Qigu Salt Mountain, Shanhua Sugar Factory, and Tainan Distillery. Although the itinerary was tight, it was incredibly rewarding for both adults and children. First Stop: Qigu Salt Mountain Upon arrival, the mountain-like white salt mounds greeted us, and the children excitedly exclaimed, "It's snowing!" While it wasn't snow, the white salt mountain shimmered in the sun, creating a truly spectacular sight. The children loved climbing the mountain, where the view from above offered a panoramic view of the lagoon and salt pans. The park also features salt-themed art installations and ice cream, especially the salt-flavored ice cream, which was incredibly salty and sweet. This stop focused on teaching the children about the salt-making process and allowing them to experience Tainan's unique sea salt culture. Second Stop: Shanhua Sugar Factory Next, we arrived at the Shanhua Sugar Factory, which retains many buildings from the Japanese colonial period, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. The children were most excited to ride the five-minute train, admiring the lush greenery and old railway scenery along the way. The factory also has an exhibition area with sugar-making machinery and vintage photos, allowing adults to reminisce about history while children learn about how sugarcane is turned into sugar. Of course, the factory's ice cream treats are a must-try. The traditional sticky ice cream and red bean popsicles are popular, refreshing and satisfying on a hot day. Third Stop: Tainan Distillery The final stop was the Tainan Distillery, a haven not only for adults but also perfect for families. The distillery features an exhibition hall explaining the history and process of winemaking, which children can easily understand through interactive exhibits. Adults can sample the specialty rice wine and plum wine, immersing themselves in the rich heritage of Taiwanese winemaking. To my surprise, the distillery also sells souvenirs like wine-flavored sausages and wine-flavored eggs, which even the children devoured with relish. The focus here isn't just on the wine itself; it's about transforming traditional winemaking into a part of leisure tourism. Summary This day trip was not only enriching, but also educational and entertaining. The Qigu Salt Mountain allowed children to experience the fusion of nature and humanity, the Shanhua Sugar Refinery offered a historical and culinary experience, and the Tainan Distillery gave both adults and children a new understanding of brewing culture. Most importantly, the whole family explored, tasted, and learned together—those are the most precious memories of a family trip. ⸻